2020 Chrysler 300 Review

　　

2020 Chrysler 300 Review

byRyan ZumMallenContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　Don't come to the Chrysler 300 looking for politeness. This is a big, bold sedan in the classic sense, exuding refinement and comfort while sneering at modern trends like lightweight construction and dynamic handling. The 300 is heavy, powerful, quiet and smooth on the road.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Chrysler 300 Touring 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$159/mo  for 300 Touring

　　300 Touring

　　Touring 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $30,040 MSRPTouring 4dr Sedan AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $32,790 MSRPTouring L 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $33,315 MSRPTouring L 4dr Sedan AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $36,065 MSRPS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $36,995 MSRPS 4dr Sedan AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $39,445 MSRPLimited 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,595 MSRPLimited 4dr Sedan AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,345 MSRPC 4dr Sedan (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $41,995 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　That isn't to say that the Chrysler 300 is behind the times. Rear-wheel-drive models with the V6 engine are EPA-rated up to 30 mpg on the highway. And the standard Uconnect infotainment system is one of the best you can buy. But what really sets the 300 apart is its attitude, as evidenced by a bold front grille, extremely roomy interior and available 363-horsepower V8.

　　There is a nice balance of new and old in the Chrysler 300. The car has integrated technology and higher-quality materials over the years to keep pace with fresher competitors. It's a survivor among large sedans and a worthy candidate for buyers who still like feeling some muscle beneath their feet.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the 300 drive? The 300 is built for smooth and powerful cruising, and it hits its marks. The optional Hemi V8 muscles the big sedan forward without drama, but lean into it with gusto and you'll be met with a rumbling exhaust note and powerful thrust. An eight-speed automatic transmission offers crisp and clean shifts, and some models come with paddles to take over when you like.

　　This isn't a sport sedan, even in taut 300S guise, but it does handle athletic tests well. The brake pedal is responsive with plenty of stopping power. The steering is light and easy to turn at low speeds and firms up at highway speeds to give you a better feel of heft. However, on tight turns the 300 makes its mass felt, even with a stiffened suspension and sticky tires on the 300S version.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the 300? Chrysler delivers on its premium, near-luxury promise inside the cabin. Very little road noise, and only slightly more from the wind, is apparent when the 300 is rolling along. The climate control system works impressively fast and is easy to operate through the main controls. The seats are also plush and supportive, and even sportier 300S versions prioritize comfort.

　　Overall, though, the ride is more stiff than you might expect. Our 300S test car had a suspension that couldn't quite keep rough roads out of the interior. Yet it doesn't detract from an otherwise serene drive, and we expect non-300S models handle bumps more effectively.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The 300 sometimes feels like more of a house than a car. Interior space is massive and one of the main reasons to consider purchasing one. Five passengers fit easily and four fit like kings. The big door openings and a flat roofline make it easy to slide in and out. It offers a huge array of seat and steering wheel adjustments to accommodate drivers of all shapes and sizes.

　　Big sedans unfortunately come with big blind spots. The high shoulder line and large pillars are difficult to see around, especially when looking out the rear. Lane changes should be made with care. Thank goodness for a clear and crisp standard rearview camera.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The factory navigation system is easy to use with simple graphics, if you opt for it. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard, if you don't. The nine-speaker Alpine audio system is an add-on, and it provides plenty of thump and better bass tuning than previous versions.

　　Advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are helpful, and additional features such as front and rear parking sensors, lane departure and lane keeping assist are available in packages. Available voice controls are fairly rudimentary but effective, and tech features such as remote start, car finder and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot are optional as well.

　　

Storage

7.5/10

　　How’s the storage? Chrysler made good use of available space in the 300. Room in the trunk, at 16.3 cubic feet, is very good for the class, especially considering the rear-drive hardware underneath. The trunk is slightly narrow between the wheels, but otherwise it's a standout in the big-sedan class. Interior storage is also good, with plenty of cupholders and a wide center console hold that's perfect for small items.

　　The back seats fold down in a 60/40-split and have easy-to-access anchor points for child car seats. Larger rear-facing child seats should be no problem to install because there is so much space between the rear seats and the front. You can even get three of them side by side, and the big door openings make installation a snap.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The 300S with V8 is rated at 19 mpg (16 city/25 highway) by the EPA. We averaged 17 mpg in our combined testing miles, with an 18.6 mpg average on our highway-heavy evaluation loop that should have returned a result in the low 20s.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the 300 a good value? The 300's interior is solidly built. Chrysler paid a lot of attention to fit and finish, and the quality of the materials is also pleasing. But the pricing can run uncomfortably high, especially if you get the V8 and a bunch of optional features. At that point, you might consider getting a luxury-branded sedan. Chrysler's warranty coverage is average.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　The 300 is a fashion statement. Updated very little since 2004, it's an abnormally timeless design in an industry that changes drastically every few years. It backs up that classic look with a focus on classic fast and smooth performance. You do have to choose between the too-hard 300S or the other too-soft versions, but the 300 makes up for it with a combination of airtight luxury and intoxicating style.

　　

Which 300 does zzdcar recommend?

Lean into the 300's strengths as a luxury-focused sedan with the Limited trim, which comes with heated front and rear leather-trimmed seats, a premium six-speaker stereo system and chrome — lots of chrome. Outward visibility is sometimes a challenge, so consider adding the SafetyTec Plus package with advanced safety equipment and adaptive cruise control.

　　

2020 Chrysler 300 models

The Chrysler 300 is a large four-door sedan with seating for five passengers. It comes in five trims: Touring, Touring L, 300S, Limited and 300C. A 3.6-liter V6 engine (292 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque) powers the Touring, Touring S and Limited. The 300S gets a slightly upgraded version of the same V6 (300 hp, 264 lb-ft).

　　The 300C comes with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (363 hp, 394 lb-ft), which is also optional on the 300S. All-wheel drive is optional on V6 models, and every 300 comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

　　The base model Touring is equipped with 17-inch wheels, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support. An 8.4-inch display with Uconnect 4C infotainment is standard, as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

　　The Touring L adds 18-inch wheels, leather-trimmed seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats and a security alarm. Take either Touring trim up a notch with the Driver Convenience package, which adds 18-inch wheels on the Touring, navigation on the Touring L, and a host of other goodies.

　　The 300S offers Sport mode, a performance-tuned suspension, and black badging and accents. It also gets paddle shifters, 20-inch wheels, performance tires, sport bucket seats and premium audio. New for the 2020 model year is a Red S Appearance package that includes unique wheels, red inserts on badges, and an optional bright red interior.

　　Chrome trim abounds in the Limited trim, which also gets a real wood-trimmed interior, a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel, perforated leather seats, ventilated front seats and a heated second row. The top-end 300C adds Hemi V8 power, bigger brakes, platinum finish exterior trim, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, luxury floor mats, natural-pore wood interior and quilted leather seats.

　　

2020 300 Highlights

Trim: TouringTouring LSLimitedCTouring

　　

Base MSRP	$30,040
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$159/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles